Departs
from your home address in the UK - 'tour only' option available without flights
on request.
Enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time in this Music Cities tour of Memphis, Branson and Nashville. Revel in the sounds of blues, country, and good old rock ‘n’ roll. Spend two nights in Memphis, "birthplace of the blues," tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Experience all Branson, Missouri has to offer during a three night stay with four shows. Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Tour historic RCA Studio B, and see where country legends recorded hit songs.
Itinerary
Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana - Tour Begins
Step back in time for a cultural getaway to the "Jazz Capital of the World" - New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and a purely soothing, incomparable soundtrack.
Day 2: French Quarter
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of New Orleans' famous French Quartre where you will see the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace where you'll explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Stop to taste a true New Orleans favourite at Café Du Monde. Tonight, roll up your sleeves and prepare to discover how to cook New Orleans-style! During a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything that Louisiana cuisine has to offer. By your visits end, you'll actually make your own bread pudding dessert! Following dinner, discover why New Orleans is known as the "Birthplace of Jazz" when you take in a toe-tapping jazz revue. (B, D)
Day 3: French Quarter
Enjoy a tour of New Orleans along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetrey #3, which opened in 1854 and features some of the most elaborate crypts found in New Orleans' cemetreies. Then, relax during a tranquil drive along the shoreline of Lake Ponchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to the majestic St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two famous universities in New Orleans. The evening is yours to discover this great city at your own pace. (B)
Day 4: New Orleans - Memphis, Tennessee
Travel north, en route to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n' Roll and Soul. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Memphis' energetic musical scene as you feast on southern cuisine on world-famous Beale Street. (B, D)
Day 5: Memphis
This morning, embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of the city of Memphis. Local musicians board the coach and tell the story of Memphis' musical heritage and history as you view the city's many highlights...you may even be tempted to sing along! Then, don your blue suede shoes when you visit Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Enter Elvis' 14-acre estate and visit his home, original business office, trophy building and the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. The rest of your evening is free to enjoy this city's vast musical offerings on your own. Dance to the live music that may fill the open air or spend the evening exploring Beale Street's vibrant musical clubs! (B)
Day 6: Memphis - Nashville
Journey to the "Music Capital of the World" - Nashville. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned "Grand Ole Opry." What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world. (B)
Day 7: Nashville
This morning a local guide officially welcomes you to Nashville by sharing its history and lore during a fascinating sightseeing tour. View the Old Ryman Auditorium, the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon - a full scale replica of the Athenian original! Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville's oldest remaining record studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits! Learn the secrets of how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio, where you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Then, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum's vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colourful histories of country music and its artists. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at the famous Wildhorse Saloon, home of a 3,300 square foot dance floor that is used every night of the week by dancers and revelers! (B, D)
Day 8: Nashville - Tour Ends
New Orleans' jazz and food, the country music of Nashville and the sounds of Memphis comprise a journey full of experiences that will have you humming and smiling long after you return home. (B)
Day 9: Arrive U.K.